Monday, August 22, 2011

Autumn. . .asks that we prepare for the future- that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go- to acknowledge the beauty of spareness.

- B.W. Overstreet (1947)

Life has been busy...finishing the upstairs renovations, turning the house upside down to paint...again. Yes, the painters did an awful job, so its our second go around. We picked a Behr paint called Gobi Desert- its soothing and warm all in the same pale. I love it. This week we'll be painting the trim and finishing the doors- can't wait. We're also gearing up for fall. As sad as I am that summer is over, secretly I always look forward to fall. Maybe not the drop in temperature so much, but more so getting back into a routine, switching modes, the city dressed in passionate hues and savoury butternut squash soup of course.

We've regisitered Morgan for swimming lessons, and I'm back to teaching yoga on Monday nights. I remember what it felt like to go back 4 months after I had Morgan, just the drive to the studio alone...ALONE, was wonderful. I know it'll be good 'adult time' for me, and I always love sharing the gift of yoga.

We've had some fabulous weather over the past week. It spiked to a rare 30-degrees on the weekend when we frolicked to the spray park in St. Albert. What a party that was. Music blasting, kids having the time of their life, even an old-school concession selling 5 cent candies (more like 50 cents now), chips and popsicles. It was perfect and Morgan had a ball, actually, we all did. Can't imagine that we'll be returning to buttery mulled cider and cozy sweaters just around the corner, but I'll accept it, like all Edmontonians have to. Superstore is already carrying Halloween candy, and I'm horrified to share that Costco already has Christmas trees. Well, at least that's what I've heard. So if its a rumour, its a nasty one. Sometimes, I just want to saddle, mount and ride a horse the hell out of here. Our summers are just too short. But I'm allergic to horses and they make me look very ugly- red puffy eyes that ooze who knows what...so I wont be doing that anytime soon.

Anyways...I'm savouring the last bit of light that still hangs on just past 9pm. I'll miss zooming around the city- bare arms and flip-flops. I refuse to sulk (at least out loud) over the changing of seasons, my husband does enough of that for both of us. Poor doll worships the sunshine to his core.

So as summer draws its brief curtain, we're galavanting out as much as possible. Cove is already 13-pounds of solid boy at just 7-weeks old. I kid you not, I have to make myself an appointment with the chiropractor ASAP since my back is killing me from hauling his big baby bootie around. This butterball likes to be held, and rocked and bounced, and held some more and mama Lane is sore. His demeanour is so sweet, but he has a cry like a shrieking baby eagle. When he gets going, our eardrums quiver. He sounds like a dinosaur bird...its amazing really. Don't worry, we're still loving him up...endlessly, but he'll never live this cry down. Geeesh.

Look at me, I can make a disaster in 2.2 seconds!

We just got Morgan into a big girl bed...she cried when she saw that daddy had taken a part her crib. It was a bit heartbreaking and surprising to see her so sad, but she's ready for a change and she'll forget about that crib (which was my crib) in no time. So bittersweet to see her growing so quickly. She absolutely oozes life, love and sweetness. Our golden girl. Here are a couple of pics of Little Miss Cupcake Sugarpants in all her tutu glory. What a ham, hey.

She is getting so independent, creating her own world-

that imagination growing sensationally.

Its so fun to watch.

This may just have to be my fall project for Morgan.

Her fav of course- SPAGHETTI!

Our little chubs. More pics to come.

As September approaches and the sun relinquishes its generosity, wear the cold well my friend. . .fall style is totally where its at. I am magnetically drawn to its structure, strength, and texture. The colours- rich or subdued and oh so grounding. The fabrics- thick, well-cut and unwavering. The look- casual, yet put together. I heart the layering, the gorgeous red-head in a mustard tailored coat and dark jeans. The milkshake of classic looks with a splash of something unexpected.

How about creating a wonder book of looks on Pinterest that guide your shopping trips. Embrace the 'finders keepers' attitude when a trip to a boutique or favourite store is an excuse to treasure hunt for your closet, your home. The Great Romance of fall is returning back to yourself, dressing yourself in garbs that make you feel comfortable, beautiful and powerful. Throw on those gold flats and red coat, even if your just stepping out for some milk.

Here's a little fall montage collected from pinterest to get you in a September kind of mood...

Friday, August 5, 2011

Aren't these shoes positively perfect! I'm sad to say, there was no making out under the stars last night. It totally slipped my snotty nose that I have a rotten cold that keeps hanging around. We went out for a beautiful dinner last night, and you think I could taste a thing? Nope. I ordered the healthiest dish on the menu- fresh B.C. salmon. I'm sure it was divine. I swear I have so much snot, I've got boogies stuffed down to my toes. Yuck. One of us sick is bad enough, never mind both. So we spent our anniversary rendezvous whispering sweet nothings (although, I sound more like a frog, a sexy frog I hope), and there were plenty of kisses everywhere else. Cheeks, shoulders, hands, you know. Pretty PG.

Wicked was...absolutely wicked! We both loved it. The elaborate set, the knock-out costumes, the witty story, and the unreal talent was totally amazing, would see it again in a second. Now, we're off to the lake for the weekend. Morgan has been out there for a few days already with Nana and Papa, so I'm excited to see my little cupcake. She called me this morning all excited for her 18th golf cart ride around the ring today. She's a pro at steering those bad boys (everyone and their dog has one out there). She's a rebel without a cause but to maybe feel the wind whip through her 3 wisps of hair. Kidding, she has more than that, even though its still a seriously cute baby mullet. Ringlets to die for in the back and as straight as straw in the front. A true statement of toddler coolness.

This morning, I'm sipping on lemon and honey tea and setting some goals to when I'm going to lose this remaining 15-pounds of baby weight. I used to be a yummy mommy, now all I got is a not so yummy tummy. Cove was just so big, my poor tummy got huge. Like LARGE. Oh well, it'll come. I'm working on it everyday, even with this nasty cold. I sound like a terrified tugboat in the shower. A rampant parade of honking to work those boogies up from my toes. Satisfyingly gross really. Never mind when my milk comes in and my nipples become perky little sprinklers. Oh yeah, I'm one leaky lady. On the bright side, all I have to do is cry and pee all at the same time and maybe I'll lose that 15-pounds sooner! Don't be totally disgusted, I'll throw some bleach in there sometime...soon. It all goes down the drain with all that hot water anyways, right. Not a big bleach fan. More of a vinegar kind of gal. If I'm feeling naughty, I like to get into the Comet- damn that stuff works good. Anyways...

Cove's my little Gremlin today, or at least sounds like one (much cuter of course). He's busy grunting and grimacing, trying to kick out some gas. Darn gas. If only farting was easier for those little babes, like it is for us ripper adults. Ha. Anyways, I'll leave you with that lovelies. Happy friday. Have a wonderful weekend! xo

Thursday, August 4, 2011

It's Brydon and I's 4th Anniversary today...holy man, four years already and 10 years together! Feels like were we just kids flirting (and boy, did we flirt) on the beach in Grand Cayman. I can't even comprehend how much we've done in just 4-years.

Ok- Got married, moved and worked overseas (Sydney), moved back home, had our darling Morgan, started a business, renovated our condo ourselves (damn, its a lot of work), found my birth parents-'eeeeeee', bought and renovated our house, had our sweet Cove, and as of yesterday Brydon just started another business manufacturing and selling an awesome sustainable, environmentally friendly storage tote to go along with his moving company. Holy smokes, we've been BUSY. I can't even imagine what's to come down the pipe in the next four years!

Life has been flying by, but I still do my best to stop, savour and enjoy this beautiful man I've got. Which is so hard with little ones and a business. We need double the time in the day. We have our moments like every other couple, but we're pretty darn good to each other. I knew I wanted to be with someone who would actively participate in raising our kids, appreciate life and all its blessings as much as I do, and someone who is truly my best friend- life is hard enough, having a true friend to share it with day in and out is a must! I can honestly say, Brydon is my best friend. We're a team most days, unless I'm totally sleep deprived as of late, and Miss. Cranky Pants. Or his head is totally immersed into his business and he's just going, going, gone. But, we're still a team even in all that. No matter what, he's one hell of a father and takes life by the horns. Bloody inspiring. Energy that just never ends until he is wickedly overdue for a movie day and a serious family snuggle, which he loves. Those who know him love him dearly. He's just a solid, stand up kind of guy.

He keeps me on my toes and always has time for a hug, even if I have to remind him. I feel like we're going a million miles an hour with all that is on our plate, but we support each other's goals, love each other to death, never mind our kids, and want to live a loooong healthy life. So we put our dreams out to the universe everyday, working hard toward creating a divine little future, and do our best to just enjoy what we have right now, this second. 'Which aint much'- but we've got the most important things- health, family and love, love, love. That's the hard part right, to just be content with what you have going on right now. That's how to really sparkle in life.

So tonight we will celebrate. Tonight, we rebel in date night. Tonight, we make out under the stars like teenagers. I'm going to make sure of it. Some time to just be with each other, no phones ringing, no lovebugs screaming, just the two of us, like how we begun our journey together.

Here are some pics from our wedding, August 4th, 2007. What a day to remember. Thank you to everyone for being in our lives, and seeing us through everyday, bringing out the best in us no matter what.

Pretty in pink.

This is my movie star shot.

"You're Still The One"

When I first saw you, I saw love

And the first time you touched me, I felt love

And after all this time, you're still the one I love

You're still the one I run to

The one that I belong to

You're still the one I want for life

You're still the one that I love

The only one I dream of

You're still the one I kiss good night

You're still the one...

-Shania Twain

(those lyrics are just so romantic, I heart them)

Hope we're still this much in love at this age.

So beautiful. Amazing to think what we'll

have gone through together at this point.

Other happenings...

Two weekends ago, my birth mom, her lovely husband and my two sisters came up from Calgary to meet Cove. We spent the afternoon oogling over our darling new babe, giggling, playing at the park (yes, all of us) and just soaking in each other's fine company. It was the perfect way to wrap up a sunny week. How I adore all of them.

Nana Sandi, loving up her grandson.

They couldn't get over how big he was already.

He's our little tank.

So opposite from Morgan hey!

Kenzie created this portrait for us out of bloody pencil crayon! Isn't it absolutely amazing. She is so talented, what an amazing girl...and lucky me.

Ok, gotta go put my best dress on (or whatever will fit, this baby belly is still hanging around) and be on my way for DATE NIGHT. Thanks for visiting. xo

About Me

I'm a mommy of two littles, Morgan and Cove, and I can't get enough snuggles or time in the sunshine with them. Life is busy, but I'm always bursting with gratitude for the love I have for my family. I teach yoga (which keeps me grounded and sane) and have created a line of all-natural botanical tinctures called Pura. Life is as beautiful as you make it, and what you give is always what you receive. xo